Computer Use Policy

Reviewed and updated - April 2007

Internet The Solon Public Library has no control of the Internet and its resources, and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource. A good information consumer should question the validity of information found on the Internet.

Responsibilities of Users Although the Internet is often used for social interaction, priority will be given to those who need the computers for research, information gathering and locating sources and materials that the library does not contain.

The Solon Public Library does not monitor or filter information accessed through the Internet. The principles of intellectual freedom that apply to the traditional monographic library also apply to the modern electronic access library.

Patrons must sign up at the circulation desk to use the Internet and sign out when finished. Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all registered patrons.

Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a permission slip, in person, before they can use the Internet. Once permission is given, it will be kept on file at the front desk.

Visitors must also sign in at the circulation desk. A registration card will be required after a second visit.

Reservations, by phone, for the computer are only encouraged for testing or other similar situations.

Users may not incur any costs to the Solon Library through access to fee-for-service information providers, shopping online, or any other Internet use.

Users may not change the configuration of software or hardware on the Internet computers.

Time Limits

There is a 60-minute time limit on use of the computer. Time may be extended, if other computers are available, and/or schoolwork needs to be finished.

Please complete work and printing jobs in a timely fashion five minutes before closing.

Ethical Use

The Internet stations are located in a public area. Given the public setting, patrons are asked to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images.

Staff reserves the right to end a session if inappropriate material displays on the screen. Public access stations and Internet may only be used for legal purposes.

Email

The library does not offer email accounts not already available through browsers.

Printing

The printer is available for patron use at 10 cents per printed page.

Downloading

Patrons must have their own disks in order to save files – both from the Internet and for word processing. ABSOLUTELY NO downloading to the Library’s computers hard drives. Floppy discs and CD’s are available at the circ desk for a $1.00 each.

Warning: Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and users should have virus-checking software on their personal computers. The Solon Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library’s Internet services.

Issues of Serious Concern

Violations of the Internet/Computer Policy will result in the suspension or loss of Internet/Computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility.

Patrons who are misusing the computer will receive a verbal warning first, depending on the degree of misuse, and then will forfeit their use of a public computer if inappropriate behavior continues. Misuse includes: loud and/or disruptive actions, more then two people at the computer at one time, and use of offensive sites.

Problems will be documented.

Staff will not supervise all activities, but where deemed appropriate, may call on local authorities to monitor a patron’s computer activities.

Computer records on public, Internet access computers are not private. Library personnel may access history or computer use if problems are suspected. On the other hand, computer use will be held private unless requested by proper authorities.

If a patron feels that they have lost their computer privileges unfairly, a request for review must be made to the Solon Library Board.

Illegal acts involving Library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. It is against the law to download or provide child pornography, or display pornography where it may be seen by children (Iowa Code, chapter 728.2)